Minimum sample mass for fine aggregate is 300 g (0.66 lb) after drying.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not specified
• D. Minimum mass is 300 g after drying

Answer: (B)

In sieve analysis for fine aggregate, you need a sample large enough to produce reliable gradation results. The standard requires a minimum of 300 g of fine aggregate after drying, so the mass you weigh for the test reflects the true solid content and isn’t skewed by moisture. Drying ensures moisture doesn’t inflate the weight, which would distort the percent retained on each sieve. With at least 300 g after drying, there’s enough material to get meaningful, repeatable percentages across the sieve stack. If the dried sample is smaller than 300 g, the results become less reliable due to higher relative error. So the statement is true: the minimum sample mass after drying is 300 g.